Le Saddle!

The harness saddle is complete! Now it's on to the breeching and all the little strappy strap things.

 'Scuse the mismatched shafts and traces: I just needed them to keep everything tidy for photos.

Of course, once I have a harness, I'm going to need a cart.... ;)

Prrrrrogress

The breastcollar for the harness is (mostly) done! Weee! If I can really get crackin' on this set, it just might make an appearance in my submission for Braymere's awesome photo challenge!

Happy Birthday, Sam!

Harness progress was on hold today, since it was my wonderful boyfriend's birthday. Of course, the occasion warranted some pictures with Par.

 Aren't they adorable together?

Happy birthday, love!

Black Caviar

 My littlest sister got me a Black Caviar model for Christmas. Squeee! I've always wanted to live show a galloping horse, because I thought it'd be a hoot to enter her in as many classes as possible.

I was trying to think of the least likely class that Ruffian could be shown in. (I started with Western Pleasure, but I was honestly stumped there.) Then, I had a hilarious idea for a harness setup that would allow this galloping Thoroughbred to compete in a harness class!

Trust me, it'll be hilarious. ;) And so, the latest tack project: a harness for Black Caviar! (She really needs a show name...)

 This bridle was a bit tricksy, due to Caviar's decidedly tack-unfriendly hairdo, but I'm very happy with it. Sill needs a few keepers and some edge work, and then it's on to the breastcollar!

Camera Testing

New camera = waaaaay too many test pictures. :}  Naturally, that involves lots of photos of my rabbit George, and his many (grumpy) faces. Hehe!

 And Tootie, hiding away in her coconut!

I also took some tack photos. Even in (really) bad lighting, they turned out pretty good!

 Eeeeep! So excited to make things to take pictures of!

Bonus closeup of a mixed-media piece I'm working on. I think it needs more glitter. ;)

New and Improved Ordering Information!

I've spent the past few days working on updating my ordering information to make everything a little bit more accessible to potential customers. It is a lot of information, but hopefully it will make the pricing business a little smoother on both ends. Of course, I can't possibly think of everything there is to price, but I got the main things down (I think!).

If there are improvements that you think would make the ordering information better (or if you want to order something!) email me at zafiricastudios@gmail.com.

Also, bonus pictures of Par licking me because he is adorable. :)

Strapless's New Clothes

 My poor old Strapless needed some attention.

 As per usual, I couldn't just stop at a leg fix. The Strapless mold suffers from some distortion issues in photos, and is somewhat difficult to show with since she is turning.

 Tada! Now, she's going straight!

I fixed her broken leg, straightened out her neck, and moved her legs around a bit so that they aren't all dragging on the ground. That left fore is airborne, and her right hind is actually raised off the ground via a peg. (You can't see it in the photos due to the fluffy towel background, but trust me, it's there.)

 She looks quite a bit nicer in her second coat of primer!

 Of course, there is still lots (and lots and lots and lots) of sanding to do, especially around her neck, but I'm getting progressively happier with how she's looking!

 There are still lots of little things to fill (and those resulpted ears need some serious TLC).

 I just cannot decide on what color she'd look best in...

 ... although I'm tempted to try a dark bay with birdcatcher spots! I also cannot decide if I want to sculpt a new mane and tail or if I want to attempt to hair her with mohair. The sculpted hair is a safer bet, and easier to transport, but a really nice mohair job looks so nice...